At a Glance

All Aboard! Journey the entire 470-mile length of the historic Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Seward. With Denali Education Center, ride to Denali National Park, home of North America’s tallest mountain, 20,310-foot Denali. Study the wildlife and natural history of this 6 million-acre park and explore Talkeetna, a quaint village at the edge of the Alaska Range. In Anchorage, experience the cultures of Alaska’s Native groups, and in the harbor town of Seward, take in the grandeur of Kenai Fjords National Park.

Activity Level

On Your Feet

Minimal walking and standing. Optional walks of up to three miles. Elevations on your bus trip up to 3,900 feet.

Best of all, you'll ...

Meet Mary Shields — the first woman to finish the Iditarod — and her dogs at her home near Fairbanks.

View stunning scenery and wildlife on a day-long journey into the heart of Denali National Park.

Through time, tales both oral and written have immortalized America's last wilderness. Editor Wayne Mergler scoured Alaska's literary tradition for the best writing the state has to offer and did not come up empty-handed. From the Native legends of the Creation to Jack London's stirring stories of frontier survival, to John Haines's more contemporary reflections on homesteading. The Last New Land gathers a rich and comprehensive sampling of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry about the Northland.

Arctic Dreams

by Barry Lopez

Based on Barry Lopez’s years spent traveling the Arctic regions in the company of Eskimo hunting parties and scientific expeditions alike, Arctic Dreams investigates the unique terrain of the human mind, thrown into relief against the vastness of the tundra and the frozen ocean. Eye-opening and profoundly moving, it is a magnificent appreciation of how wilderness challenges and inspires us.

Jimmy Blue Feather

by Kim Heacox

Old Keb Wisting is somewhere around ninety-five years old and in constant pain and thinks he wants to die. He also thinks he thinks too much. Part Norwegian and part Tlingit Native, he’s the last living canoe carver in the village of Jinkaat, in Southeast Alaska.
When his grandson, James, a promising basketball player, ruins his leg in a logging accident and tells his grandpa that he has nothing left to live for, Old Keb comes alive and finishes his last canoe, with help from his grandson. Together (with a few friends and a crazy but likeable dog named Steve) they embark on a great canoe journey. Suddenly all of Old Keb’s senses come into play, so clever and wise in how he reads the currents, tides, and storms. Nobody can find him. He and the others paddle deep into wild Alaska, but mostly into the human heart, in a story of adventure, love, and reconciliation.

Two in the Far North

by Margaret Murie

This enduring story of life, adventure, and love in Alaska was written by a woman who embraced the remote Alaskan wilderness and became one of its strongest advocates. In this moving testimonial to the preservation of the Arctic wilderness, Mardy Murie writes from her heart about growing up in Fairbanks, becoming the first woman graduate of the University of Alaska, and marrying noted biologist Olaus J. Murie. So begins her lifelong journey in Alaska and on to Jackson Hole, Wyoming where along with her husband and others, they founded The Wilderness Society. Mardy's work as one of the earliest female voices for the wilderness movement earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Naturalist’s Guide to the Arctic

by E.C. Pielou

This book is a practical, portable guide to all of the Arctic's natural history—sky, atmosphere, terrain, ice, the sea, plants, birds, mammals, fish, and insects—for those who will experience the Arctic firsthand and for armchair travelers who would just as soon read about its splendors and surprises. It is packed with answers to naturalists' questions and with questions—some of them answered—that naturalists may not even have thought of.

Denali's Howl

by Andy Hall

In the summer of 1967, twelve young men ascended Alaska’s Mount McKinley—known to the locals as Denali. Engulfed by a once-in-alifetime blizzard, only five made it back down.
Andy Hall, a journalist and son of the park superintendent at the time, was living in the park when the tragedy occurred and spent years tracking down rescuers, survivors, lost documents, and recordings of radio communications. In Denali’s Howl, Hall reveals the full story of the expedition in a powerful retelling that will mesmerize the climbing community as well as anyone interested in mega-storms and man’s sometimes deadly drive to challenge the forces of nature.

Shopping for Porcupine A Life in Arctic Alaska

by Seth Kantner

Seth Kantner returns to the setting of his debut novel , Ordinary Wolves, with an autobiographical account of his own life growing up in Northern Alaska. Beginning with his parents’ migration to the Alaskan wilderness in the 1950s and extending to his own attempts to balance hunting with writing, Kantner recalls cold nights wrapped in caribou hides, fur-clad visitors arriving on dog sleds, swimming amidst ice floes for wounded waterfowl, and his longstanding respect for the old Iñupiaq ways. Captured in words and images, these details combine to reveal a singular landscape at a pivotal moment in its history. Both an elegy and a romp, the book illuminates a world few will see as Kantner has.

Two Old Women: An Alaskan Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival

by Velma Wallis

Based on an Athabascan Indian legend passed along for many generations from mothers to daughters of the upper Yukon River Valley in Alaska, this is the suspenseful, shocking, ultimately inspirational tale of two old women abandoned by their tribe during a brutal winter famine.
Though these women have been known to complain more than contribute, they now must either survive on their own or die trying. In simple but vivid detail, Velma Wallis depicts a landscape and way of life that are at once merciless and starkly beautiful. In her old women, she has created two heroines of steely determination whose story of betrayal, friendship, community, and forgiveness "speaks straight to the heart with clarity, sweetness, and wisdom" (Ursula K. Le Guin)

Wildflowers of Denali National Park

by Verna E. Pratt

This book is considered a classic plant ID guide for the Denali area and is a good "picture guide" to many of the flowering plants of central Alaska, more specifically the Denali National Park & Preserve area. It is arranged by color of the flower and then loosely by the family of plant.

Snapshots from the Past: A Roadside History of Denali National Park

by Jane Bryant

Visitors come to Denali National Park and Preserve for many reasons - spectacular scenery, wildlife, the continent's highest peak, and the cultural experiences. This amazing book does a wonderful job of presenting snapshots of Denali's past and telling many of the stories that have shaped its history. This book included user-friendly maps of the Park's road and innumerable historic photos to highlight its content. It is arranged to follow the park road from east to west, from the park entrance to Kantishna, and is a must-read for anyone interested in delving into the Park's rich history.

Activity note: Welcome to Alaska! Check into your hotel, meet the fellow participants, and start getting to know the program.

Dinner: Dinner- At the River's Edge Resort.

Evening: Introductions- Meet and mingle with your fellow Road Scholars and Group Leader.

DAY

2

Learn from Mary Shield and about life in the North!

Fairbanks

B,L,D

River's Edge Resort

Activity note: Visit the Alaskan Pipeline, listen to stories of the North from Mary Shields, and explore the exhibits and Alaskan art gallery in the Museum of the North.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the River's Edge Resort

Morning: Stop and view the Alaskan Pipeline and learn about how it was built before traveling to the kennel of Mary Shields, the first women to finish the Iditarod. Get up close and personal with Mary's dog team and listen to stories about the mushing trail and life in interior Alaska.

Lunch: Lunch

Afternoon: Discover the pioneer history of Fairbanks, Alaska's WWII history, and the spectacle of the northern lights at the newly renovated University of Alaska Museum of the North.

Dinner: Dinner at the River's Edge Resort

Evening: Free time to relax and explore before the group travels south to Denali!

DAY

3

Train to Denali National Park

Denali National Park

B,L,D

Denali Education Center

Activity note: After breakfast, head to the Alaska Railroad and board the train. Enjoy sweeping views as you wind your way south to Denali and your home for the next five days.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at River's Edge.

Morning: Enjoy the first leg of the 470 mile Alaska Railroad as it winds its way south to Denali National Park. From the depot, head to Denali Education Center's campus and your home for the next four nights!

Lunch: Lunch at Denali Education Center.

Afternoon: Get oriented to Denali National Park and your home away from home. Spend the afternoon hiking with a field educator or enjoy some free time to relax and explore. At 5:00 p.m. all participants will meet in Riverside Hall for introductions to Denali Education Center, your group leaders, and your program's support staff. We will review the program theme and the up-to-date daily schedule. Learn about DEC's rich history with Road Scholar and take a short walk on campus to get familiarized with the landscape. Wildlife safety and emergency procedures- including contact numbers for key staff will also be addressed at this time.

Dinner: Enjoy your first healthy, home-cooked dinner at Riverside Hall. All meals are served buffet-style. The menu varies greatly and is always healthy and balanced. Water, coffee, tea, and snacks are available at all times.

Evening: Life in Denali- Learn about the trials and joys of each season from one of our year-round staff.

DAY

4

Welcome to the Subarctic and Denali kennel Sled Dog Demo!

Denali National Park

B,L,D

Denali Education Center

Activity note: Spend the morning learning about the Subarctic and the afternoon exploring Denali's visitor center.

Morning: Learn about the sometimes surprising, always extreme, conditions that shape life in Denali, and define a subarctic ecosystem in “Welcome to the Subarctic".

Lunch: Enjoy one of our home made lunches in Riverside Hall.

Afternoon: Attend a Sled Dog demonstration with the only National Park sled dog team. Learn how these amazing working dogs spend their winters patrolling this 6 million acre park.

Dinner: Dinner- Buffet style in Riverside Hall.

Evening: Evening presentation with a local Alaskan

DAY

5

Journey to the Heart of the Park

Denali National Park

B,L,D

Denali Education Center

Activity note: Spend the day exploring Denali on an all day journey into the Park and out to the Eielson Visitor Center. Take in the sweeping views but keep your eyes peeled for wildlife throughout the day.

Morning: Enjoy stunning scenery and wildlife watching opportunities on a day-long journey into Denali National Park by shuttle bus to Eielson Visitor Center.

Lunch: In the field

Afternoon: Want to hike independently in this pristine wilderness? We invite you to leave the bus behind and travel cross-country... at any time throughout the day.

Dinner: Buffet style in Riverside Hall

Evening: Spend the evening resting, relaxing, and enjoying your time in Alaska.

DAY

6

Learn about Denali's Wildlife and enjoy some Free Time.

Denali National Park

B,L,D

Denali Education Center

Activity note: Learn about how Denali's wildlife survives in the subarctic before you enjoying a free time activity of your choice!

Breakfast: Buffet style in Riverside Hall

Morning: Discover the extraordinary animals that call Denali home and learn about their marvelous adaptations to life at high latitudes in “Wildlife of Denali.”

Lunch: Buffet style in Riverside Hall

Afternoon: Explore the rich habitat of Horseshoe Lake. Join an expert naturalist for a 1.5 mile round-trip walk with 250 feet elevation change. Or, take off on your own for free time or optional activities including rafting, flightseeing, flyfishing, or visiting sled dog kennels.

Dinner: Buffet style in Riverside Hall

Evening: Guest speaker TBA. Schedule for expert local evening presenters in Denali will be announced on first day of program.

DAY

7

Ride the rails to the charming town of Talkeetna.

Talkeetna, AK

B,L,D

Talkeetna Alaska Lodge

Activity note: Enjoy the journey south as you wind south to the town of Talkeetna. Take in sweeping views of the Alaska Range. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Denali- as it can be viewed from Broad Pass on a clear day.

Breakfast: Riverside Hall

Morning: Learn about the pioneer community of McKinley Station, the beginnings of what is now the gateway to Denali National Park. This is an optional walk that travels 1.6 miles with 100 feet of elevation gain. Or, spend some additional time taking in the Visitor Center displays at your own pace.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch on the train in their dining car.

Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic journey on the Alaska Railroad through Broad Pass and over the Alaska Range to Talkeetna. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpses of Mt. Denali and wildlife as you pass through Denali State Park.

Dinner: Dine at the Talkeetna Alaska Lodge.

Evening: Check-in to the Talkeetna Alaska Lodge, the only Talkeetna lodging with unsurpassed views of the Alaska Range.

DAY

8

After breakfast head south on the train to Anchorage.

Anchorage

B,D

Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites

Activity note: Spend your morning enjoying the town of Talkeetna. Enjoy their town museum and stretch your legs before you board the train and head South to Anchorage.

Breakfast: Buffet style breakfast at the Talkeetna Alaska Lodge

Morning: Tour the town of Talkeetna, a quaint little community that is nestled into the foot hills of the Alaska Range and steeped in mountaineering history.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch on your own at one of Talkeetna's cafes or restaurants.

Afternoon: After lunch you'll board the train and take in the sights as the train winds its way toward Alaska's coast.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner on the train's dinning car.

Evening: After arriving into town we'll check into our overnight accommodations and spend the rest of the evening relaxing.

DAY

9

Alaska Native Heritage Center and Alaska History Museum

Anchorage

B,L,D

Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites

Activity note: After breakfast, learn about the 49th state on a docent-led walk at the Anchorage History Museum. After lunch, head to the Native Heritage Center and come to better understand Alaska's Native traditions and cultures.

Breakfast: Continental breakfast at the Inlet Towers

Morning: Join a docent for a tour of the Anchorage Museum and Rasmuson Center. After learning some Alaskan history, continue on to explore their awe inspiring collection of Alaskan art.

Lunch: At the museum

Afternoon: The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a gathering place that celebrates, perpetuates, and shares Alaska Native culture, language, heritage and tradition. Explore the exhibits and take in one-of-a-kind demonstrations by Alaska Native artists, dancers, musicians, and story tellers of all ages

Dinner: Dinner as a group in downtown Anchorage

Evening: Take some time to explore downtown Anchorage on your own.

DAY

10

Train to Seward, Behind the Scenes at Alaska Sealife Center

Seward

B,L,D

Breeze Inn

Activity note: Board the morning train to Seward and enjoy the views as the train makes its way along the coast. After arriving in Seward you'll enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the Alaska Sealife Center.

Breakfast: Enjoy Breakfast in the dinning car on the train to Seward.

Morning: Early morning departure to travel the final stretch of the Alaska Railroad... one of the most spectacular railroad journeys on the continent.

Lunch: At the SeaLife Center

Afternoon: Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Learn about the Center’s marine wildlife research, rehabilitation projects, and life support systems. Discover what is takes to care for seals, sea lions, octopus, seabirds, and their 154 species of fish.

Dinner: Buffet dinner at Seward Hotel

Evening: Check into your accommodations and relax for the evening.

DAY

11

Kenai Fjords National Park Marine Wildlife Cruise

Seward

B,L,D

Breeze Inn

Activity note: Take in the spectacular view of Alaska's coastline, keep your eyes peeled for whales and our coastal birds. Explore Kenai Fjords National Park and learn about the marine landscape.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at your hotel.

Morning: Enjoy a bit of free time at Seward's small boat harbor to walk around and enjoy the sights of Alaska's coast.

Evening: Gather this evening to share stories and moments from your program with your fellow participants.

DAY

12

Breakfast, Charter to Anchorage, and Program Conclusion

Anchorage

B

Activity note: After breakfast, board a motorcoach to the Anchorage airport. Please book flights departing no earlier than 2 p.m. AKST

Breakfast: At the Breeze Inn.

Morning: Board a chartered motor coach bound for the Anchorage Airport. The coach is expected to arrive at the airport at approximately 11:30 a.m. Please do not make departure flight reservations before 3:00 p.m. The coach will make drop offs at major hotels in Anchorage.

Meals

31 Meals

11 Breakfasts

9 Lunches

11 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Salt, Low Fat, Vegetarian

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

The Denali Education Center campus was built in 1990 along the eastern boundary of Denali National Park, on the banks of the Nenana River. This quiet wooded campus, consisting of 12 cabins and Riverside Hall, a combined dining and classroom facility, was the first in the U.S. built exclusively for Elderhostel programs. The cabins have been recently renovated and feature a shared enclosed porch (perfect for your wet gear and gathering with your cabin-mates) and two bedrooms. Each room has two double beds and private bath. Amenities include: linens, heat, electric outlets, soap, and views of wild surroundings. The absence of TV, radio, microwave, fridge, hairdryers, etc. encourages guests to unplug and get outside. Complementary Wi-Fi connection and good cell reception allows visitors to stay in touch with the world beyond Denali. All facilities are on the ground floor with four steps leading into each cabin. The longest walk from your cabin to Riverside Hall is about 200 yards on a gravel walkway, and the shortest is about 15 yards.

A relaxing getaway in Seward, Alaska, the Breeze Inn offers a fulfilling lodging experience in a breathtaking setting. Where nesting eagles and patrolling sea lions are your neighbors, the Breeze Inn is also in the heart of Seward's busy small boat harbor on Resurrection Bay, within walking distance of most of the activities of our beautiful coastal town. The Alaska SeaLife Center is 2.1 km from the motel. The Seward Waterfront Park is a 3-minute drive away.

A totally wonderful trip. We loved the "camp for adults" Denali Education Center. Nice accommodations and what fabulous blueberry pancakes there!!! Sarah was wonderful, all the speakers were really great and very knowledgeable. Only thing I would change is the hotel in Anchorage. It was old, a bit grubby, the room phone didn't work and neither did the wifi. The other negative thing was the food at the hotel in Fairbanks. It was not very good.
This truly is the way to see the Alaska interior, or at least part of it. The train is really fun, clean, comfortable, good food, wonderful views.
I also liked that on several occasions we were handed some cash and told to have lunch or dinner wherever we wished. Great way to encourage us to sample some of the local cuisine rather than big 'group' dining.
All in all a wonderful adventure.

I felt that I really got to see a lot of Alaska by riding the rails. The trip was fantastic from start to finish, with many opportunities to see the wildlife, mountains, and glaciers for which the state is famous.

This trip was the best! Travel through Alaska via the railroad, the experience at the Denali Education Center, and the spectacular sights from the animals of Denali National Park to the glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park all contributed to a thoroughly enjoyable trip. The knowledge of our trip leader and other staff at DEC was impressive.

What a fantastic way to experience Alaska. Beginning in Fairbanks, close to the Arctic Circle, then traveling by Alaska Railroad south to Denali and the other destinations ending in Seward gives one a "up close and personal" introduction to this state.

I just completed the RoadScholars tour "Alaska By Rail" and it was absolutely the best tour I have ever taken, from RoadScholars or anywhere else! It fulfilled my life-long dream of seeing Alaska, not just from the deck of a cruise ship, but "up close and personal". I highly recommend this trip for anyone who wants to learn more about this most beautiful state!

Our leader, Kris, was extremely well-versed in all things Alaska. His tremendous breadth of personal experience and knowledge, along with his great sense of humor, made the trip both highly educational and most enjoyable. A great experience overall. (We found the acivity level a little higher than Moderate, but it wasn't a problem for us.)

My experience with "Discover Alaska by Rail" was outstanding. The program was very well organized and each day was truly outstanding! I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed myself and too, how much I learned.

An absolutely beautiful trip! The trains are comfortable and the scenery is beautiful! A well-rounded program including lectures on natural environments and field trips to cultural and nature sites. Denali is wonderful!!